Focus
Analyze Thomas Nagel’s views as presented in his work, “What does it all mean?”
More specifically, analyze Chapters 2, 6, and 10. For each chapter, you should present the major issue or problem and the main arguments or ideas that Nagel uses in his discussion.
Nagel must be included in your essay by name and as the source of the issues and the different concepts that he introduces.
Each chapter requires its own section heading and within that section you must only discuss that one chapter. Do not mix other chapter information other than for transitional purposes when going from one section to another.
Each section must be two full pages or more in order to receive full credit for that section. A good section is usually three or four pages long. Sections may be longer than four pages.
This essay is one, continuous essay, with no additional spacing to make it longer than it needs to be. That is, do not attempt to begin each chapter on a separate page or points will be deducted.
An Introduction and a Conclusion must be part of this essay. The Introduction establishes your thesis and the Conclusion presents what is to be inferred from the three chapters.
This book is available in print through the bookstore and on Amazon.com. Use any version for this assignment.
Several sites offer a version of this book for free. Search. Also, Google: Thomas Nagel What does it all mean? pdf and might find a copy online of an older version of this text.
For a version of Nagel’s book in Spanish, Google: “Que significa todo esto?” Note: Your essay must be written in English. This Spanish translation is provide for Spanish speaking students, if they need the extra assistance.
Format
There is a minimum number of pages that must be submitted in order to receive full credit. The reason for this is that writing is intellectual work: the more you write, the more you use your intelligence. And, the more you use your intelligence, the more developed it becomes. This course is designed to develop your critical thinking skills and this can only occur if you use your intelligence. The minimum number of pages for this assignment is eight pages: Introduction (1/2 page), Chapter 2 (2 pages), Chapter 6 (2 pages), Chapter 10 (2 pages), and the Conclusion (1/2 page), and the Reference Page (On a separate page). Note: Most essays that earn an “A” are more than eight pages because analyzing the chapters usually takes more than two pages. Yes, you may submit more than eight pages without any penalty.